Climbing Roses

Modern climbing roses are no more than very tall-growing versions of shrub roses. Most grow to about 8-12’ tall, and require tying and support. They will not twine around a post on their own. Climbing roses that are grown only vertically will produce flowers only on the tips of their growth, so for best flower production, train upward and then outward. Any rambler roses we may carry (30-40’ and one bloom) are kept in the Heritage subsection.

English Roses

One of the newest races of roses, bred by David Austin. These combine the very large, densely petalled look and heavy scent of antique roses with modern virtues of smaller sized bushes and repeat bloom. Many grow as the Hybrid Teas, upright and shrubby, but a few, like ‘Graham Thomas’, grow to be very large. Sometimes growth is spindly the first couple of years, but eventually they form a strong plant. Pruning - Most are thinned of crossing and weak growth. Then cut back the remaining canes by 1/3 of the total growth.

Floribunda Roses

Flowers occur in clusters and are typically smaller than Hybrid Tea roses. Used for cutting and garden display. Often plants grow in a more shrubby round shape. Disease resistance varies. Pruning - Remove all twiggy and crossing growth. Shorten remaining canes to ½ the original length. Cut just above the nearest outward-facing bud.

Grandiflora Roses

Grandiflora roses bear very large multiple roses at the ends of strong tall stems. Generally they have larger bloom and a much taller habit, often over 5’ tall, with good disease resistance. Their long stems and classic rose form lend them well to cutting and using in arrangements. Pruning - Prune like the hybrid teas, but leave selected canes at 24-36” long.

Heritage Roses

These are roses which have been in cultivation since 1850 or earlier. Moss roses, Musk, Bourbon, Alba and Damask roses are found in this group. Many of these are very large shrubs (think blackberry brush) with incredible old-rose scented flowers. Some will bloom only once per season for a few brilliant weeks in spring, and a few will repeat bloom. Pruning - Plan to have a pair of sheers in one hand and a tome on old roses in the other!

We carry a select few Heritage roses. Here are some examples:

Baronne Prevost - 1842 Hybrid Perpetual

Madame Plantier - 1835 Alba

Rose de Rescht – ancient rose from Persia, introduced to the trade in 1940

Hybrid Tea Roses

The most popular rose by far, providing a tremendous range of color, fragrance, form, and disease resistance. It is generally long stemmed with a single rose per stem. Pruning - Select the 5 to 7 most robust canes and remove all other to the point of origin. Prune the selected canes to 18-24” long. Cut just above an out facing dormant bud or leaf scar.

Landscape Roses

These roses vary greatly in growth from ground cover roses to large shrub roses. Most require less maintenance than other types. Generally, they are marketed as disease resistant. To be used as a summer flowering shrub in the landscape. Usually mediocre cutting flowers. Pruning - Varies by cultivar. Please ask for details at Information.

Miniature Roses

These are like smaller versions of Hybrid Tea Roses. They have mini flowers rather than a mini plant. Although, the plant size is generally in proportion to the flowers. Micro mini roses are available seasonally through the color department.

Rugosa Roses

Our hardiest and most disease resistant roses. Many are five petaled and many form enormous rose hips. The range in height and color is vast. Most repeat bloom. Pruning - None required, though some may be desired. Do not spray.